Howard Heats Up as Blanton Looks To Rebound

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Philadelphia Phillies (47-41) at Chicago Cubs (40-50)
Joe Blanton (3-5, 6.41 ERA) vs. Ted Lilly (3-8, 4.08 ERA)

Last night was one to forget. Forget about it, and start fresh today.

Joe Blanton needs to get back on the right track. Now would be the perfect time to turn things around. Throughout his career, he has been a second half pitcher (4.33 in the first half; 3.99 in the second half).

With a solid performance today, Ted Lilly could raise his market value. The soon-to-be free agent has been linked to several trade rumors. Lilly has struggled in his last five starts, posting an earned run average over six. His career numbers against the Phillies are not pretty either, also with an ERA over six.

One positive from last night's game was Ryan Howard, who homered twice. Howard has received some criticism for his lower power numbers, but expect them to rise. Howard's on-base plus slugging percentage is .875 in the first half throughout his career. In the second half, it is 1.045! That's a major difference. This is the time of the year Howard really starts to heat up. Howard does have a home run in his book against Lilly.

Blowout Leads to 9 Straight

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What's up with the Phillies? They're on fire! Their 10-1 blowout over the Chicago Cubs extended their winning streak to nine consecutive games, tying their longest streak since 2006.

In the first inning, Raul Ibanez clubbed his 25th home run of the season, a three run shot. Rodrigo Lopez and the Phillies didn't look back.

Carlos Ruiz's home run in the second inning made it 5-0. He drove in another run in the fourth inning with a double. He finished 2-for-4 with a homer, double, two runs scored, and three runs batted in.

Jimmy Rollins' sacrifice fly, Alfonso Soriano's error on a fly ball, and Chase Utley's RBI single made it 8-0 in the fourth. Rollins (1-for-3) proved to be a big factor in the win. He led off the game with a single, and when Rollins gets on base and scores runs, the Phillies win.

Ted Lilly's four game winning streak was snapped after getting rocked in his shortest outing of the season. His ERA jumped from 3.18 to 3.59 after the Phillies pounded nine runs in four innings.

Lopez didn't have his most commanding stuff, but in six innings he gave up only one run on five hits and three walks. The only run came on Ryan Theriot's RBI single in the fifth, taking away the shutout. Lopez struck out five.

Everybody in got into the action except Ryan Howard until his "oppo boppo" in the eighth. His 24th home run of the season put the finishing touches on the Phillies 10-1 blowout.

Chad Durbin was able to eat innings out of the bullpen. He allowed one hit in his three shutout innings, earning the save.

The Phillies are finally .500 (23-23) at home. They will attempt 10 in a row tomorrow. The last time they won that many games in a row was in 1991 when they won 13 straight.

Lopez and Lilly Open Series

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Chicago Cubs (47-43) at Philadelphia Phillies (51-38)
Ted Lilly (9-6, 3.18 ERA) vs. Rodrigo Lopez (1-0, 3.18 ERA)

The Phillies had an incredible 9-1 homestand the last time they were home. This homestand will be tougher, but the Phillies have been unstoppable for the past couple weeks, winning eight straight.

Both teams will keep a close eye on both their starters. Ted Lilly was pushed back from Saturday's start with inflammation in his left knee. Rogrido Lopez hasn't pitched in 11 days and he left his last start with right-shoulder inflammation.

Lopez's spot in the rotation is in jeopardy as Pedro Martinez takes steps closer to the big leagues. Lopez allowed eight runs in 4.2 innings in his only career start against the Cubs.

Lilly is coming off his 100th career win. Most of his success has come at home. At Wrigley Field, Lilly has a 1.18 ERA; on the road it is 4.66. Against the Phillies in his career, Lilly is 1-3 with a 4.88 earned run average (4.66 at Citizens Bank Park).